Kia Sonet finally launched at Rs 6.71 lakh in India

Kia Sonet was launched in India with launch prices starting at Rs 6.71 lakh (ex-showroom, India). The compact SUV has gaered a lot of attention since its debut in concept form at the 2020 Auto Show and most recently when Kia introduced the Sonnet production specification.

• Petrol Sonnet prices range from Rs 6.71 to 11.99 lakhs.

• Sonet diesel prices range from Rs 8.05 to Rs 11.99 lakhs.

• The Kia Sonet comes in six trim levels, divided between the Tech line and the GT line.

What are the finishes available on the Kia Sonet?

As we have seen with Kia Seltos, the Korean company will offer the Sonet compact SUV in two variants: Tech Line and GT Line. This means that the Sonet range is available in six trim levels. The technology line consists of HTE, HTK, HTK +, HTX and HTX + edges. Whereas the GT Line has a fully loaded GTX + trinket. The two lines also differ in appearance, as the GT Line has sporty red accents on the outside and contrasting red stitching on the inside.

Kia Sonet Prices (Ex-Showroom, India)

While Kia dealers report increased demand for higher-spec Sonet variants, lead times for HTX, HTX +, and GTX + are currently around 4-5 weeks. The entry-level diesel versions also have a relatively shorter lead time of around 4-5 weeks. However, the buyer will have to wait up to 9 weeks if they reserve Sonet HTE Sonet; Demand for this variant is expected to be below average. Please note that waiting times may change based on new reservations and cancellations.

So far, Kia Motors India has received more than 25,000 reservations for the Sonet compact SUV.

What engines and gearboxes does the Kia Sonet come in?

Sonet is available in petrol and diesel engine options. Of the two petrol engines offered, the first is a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated engine that produces 83 horsepower and 115 Nm of torque. This engine can only be had with a 5-speed manual gearbox and is limited to the lower trim levels. Another option is a 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine that produces 120 hp and 175 Nm of torque. This engine could be equipped with a 6-speed iMT gearbox (manual without clutch) or a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox.

In the case of a diesel engine, it is a 1.5-liter four-cylinder unit and a turbocharger that produces 100 hp and 240 Nm when combined with the 6-speed manual gearbox. However, when equipped with a six-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, it produces 115 hp and 250 Nm (15 hp and 10 Nm more). Sonet is currently the only offering in the compact SUV segment to come with a diesel torque converter gearbox.

What are the features offered with the Kia Sonet?

Another thing we've seen Kia do before is to offer its models with a ton of equipment, and the Sonet is no different. In HTX + form, it comes with features like a sunroof, leather upholstery, ambient lighting, ventilated front seats, cruise control, air purifier, Bose audio system, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the brand. UVO connected vehicle technology and more.

The high-spec GTX + model will also have six airbags, ESCs, front parking sensors, an all-black cockpit, and a cordless phone charger.

What does competitor Kia Sonet do?

Being in the highly competitive compact SUV category, Kia Sonet currently rivals the Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300, Ford EcoSport, and Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza.

Competition in this segment will only intensify, with new models entering the segment, such as the Toyota Urban Cruiser, arriving soon. Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger are also expected to enter the segment next year.

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